Status and management of fish populations of Rawal Dam reservoir, Pakistan

Abstract Studies were conducted to determine the composition and relative abundance of commercially desirable and less desirable fish populations of Rawal Dam reservoir. Fifteen fish species belonging to 11 genera were identified. The less desirable species were abundant, constituting 62.3%, 84.8% and 78% of the total number of fish sampled on three occasions. Carnivores were represented by two species with very low percentage composition by number or weight. The ratio of total weight of forage fish to that of carnivorous fish indicated an unbalanced population in the lake. The proportion of the fish population at harvestable size suggests a balanced population, but this index may have been overestimated because of a minimum harvestable size.     

The aquaculture of freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium malcolmsonii (Milne Edwards), at farmers'level in Pakistan

Abstract. Artisanal culture of Macrobrachium malcolmsonii (Milne Edwards) was studied on two sites in Pakistan. The juvenile prawns of M. malcolmsonii were collected randomly from the lower belt of the river Indus, transported and stocked in ponds at Mirpur Sakro and Chilya, Thatta, Sindh, Pakistan after acclimation. They were fed on supplementary feed containing 15% protein once daily. The stocked prawns grew from a mean weight of 0·5–2·0g to 47·5–83·5g in ponds under the conditions described herein, so a total production of 216·5–1037·5kg/ha was achieved.     

基于高速摄影的冬枣果实振动脱落规律分析

为研究冬枣振动采收过程中果实的运动规律和脱落轨迹,采用改装的电动往复锯连接自制振动采摘头对树枝进行高速振动,用高速相机记录不同振动频率(15、20、25 Hz)下冬枣果实的运动轨迹,对高速视频进行分析,计算在振动过程中的枣果脱落类型、脱落时间和运动轨迹,以及果实脱落时的速度、加速度和惯性力。结果表明:1)冬枣果实的主要脱落类型是旋倾型,15、20和25Hz时,旋倾型脱落的果实个数比例分别为81%、66%和78%,参考已有研究经验,冬枣机械收获宜选用连续式振动设备;2)随着振动频率的增大,果实的平均脱落时间减小,3个频率的果实脱落时间分别为1.71、0.54和0.43s,15Hz时果实脱落时间与20和25Hz时的果实脱落时间存在显著性差异,而20与25Hz时的果实脱落时间无显著性差异;3)果实的速度和加速度随着振动频率的增大而增大,但不同频率的果实平均脱落惯性力不存在显著性差异,3个频率下分别为0.48、0.43和0.49N。本研究结果可为机械收获装备的设计选型与研发提供理论依据。     

Determination of bovine rotavirus G serotype by polymerase chain reaction

A total of 113 diarrheic samples comprising of 68 buffalo calves and 45 cow calves were screened by RNA-PAGE for the detection of presence of rotavirus. RNA-PAGE analysis of these samples revealed 11 (9.73%) was found positive for rotavirus. Out of 68 faecal samples of buffalo calves tested for viral gastroenteritis, 8 (11.76%) were found positive for rotavirus. Similarly, out of 45 faecal samples of cattle calves tested for viral gastroenteritis, 3 (6.66%) was found positive for rotavirus. Rotavirus-positive samples represented long electropherotype. All RNA-PAGE-positive faecal samples for rotavirus subjected to RT-PCR for VP7 gene, ten samples yielded a specific product of 1,013 bp of VP7 gene. All the PCR-positive samples of the present study were subjected to genotyping with primers for G6, G8 and G10 genotype. All positive samples showed G10 genotype. This indicates that G10 may be predominant genotype among bovine calves in Mumbai region in India.     

Potential of Pakistani camel for dairy and other uses

Camels have the potential for milk, meat and draught power and can contribute a handsome share of the production of these commodities. The potential of this wonderful animal has never been realized and it could be harnessed as a prospective milk producing animal. The future of animals that can thrive under harsh environmental conditions, the camel being at the top of the list, is bright. The camel is still a neglected species in Pakistan and has not received the proper attention of researchers and scientists. The population explosion, urbanization and industrialization have expanded agricultural activities to produce more food for the rapid growing human population of the country. Cultivated areas are shrinking, thus reducing the fodder production area for buffalo and cattle. Under these circumstances we have to search for other available sources to enhance milk production. The environmental changes occurring on the earth and the water shortage in the region have also adversely affected the production potential of buffalo, cattle, goats and sheep. Under these changing ecological circumstances, rearing camel is the best option for more milk production and the proper utilization of the vast unused lands of this country. Most studies also have named the camel as an animal of great socioeconomic importance in large tracts of the industrializing world. The camel serves as a cheaper source of power for drawing water from wells, plowing and leveling land, working mini extraction mills (extracting from oil seeds), grinding wheat, corn and other grains and crushing sugarcane and pulling carts for the transportation of goods as well as people.